LIMITLESS: A Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance: Book 2: Jace & Alex Page 4

  Once I was satisfied with my travel plans, I downloaded and experimented with a few apps to create more professional-looking social media posts. With so many choices of graphics, photo filters, and analytics tracking, I tested a ton, picked out some favorites, and deleted the rest. I also immersed myself in the world of social media success stories to figure out the best ways to gain a loyal audience without buying a bunch of fake followers.

  Unfortunately, my planning activities only took me so far, and by mid-summer, I was bored and itching to get out of the fucking house. While watching yet another YouTube travel video about France, my phone beeped.

  Zoey: U there?

  Alex: “Yo!”

  Zoey: “Yo!”

  Alex: When r we hanging out, dude, texting is lame.

  Zoey: Now??

  Alex: U wanna come over????

  Zoey: No. Can u come over to Carter Popes to watch LTZ jam?

  Zoey: ???

  Alex: WTF?

  Zoey: serious . . . Ty told me to ask u

  Alex: Holy shit . . . text me directions, asap.

  Zoey: (sends map)

  Alex: what do I wear?

  Zoey: Casual, don’t try too hard. They are all really normal.

  Alex: ummm

  Zoey: Well better looking than normal but . . .

  Alex: Lol ok, I’ll ping you when I get there.

  Zoey: yeet!!!!!

  Alex: yeet!!!!

  My nerves were frazzled as I pulled up to Carter-fucking-Pope’s Lake Washington mansion in my lime-green VW Beetle. After taking a few deep, cleansing breaths, I texted Zoey to let her know I’d arrived. Smoothing my white V-neck T-shirt that I’d paired with a mid-thigh, blue-floral flippy skirt and my Frye boots, I shook off my nerves and headed for the front door.

  “Hi, Alex!” Ty and Zoey opened the front door within seconds of me ringing the doorbell, his arm ever-possessively wrapped around her.

  “Hi, Ty!” My voice came out a little like a kid going through puberty. Coughing, I added, in a more normal tone, “Thanks for inviting me over.”

  Zoey grabbed my hand as Ty led us through the huge, carved wood front door and into the stunningly beautiful house. We walked past a vast wall of windows overlooking Lake Washington in the living room and then down a hallway lined with a ton of photos of Carter’s band Limelight and pictures of young Ty and Zane. My mouth was open like a slack-jawed lunatic, which seemed to be my go-to expression around these LTZ boys. Plus, I’d never been to a famous person’s house before.

  “Alex, wait. Look at this one.” Zoey gestured excitedly, stopping us at a picture of Ty and Zane as sullen teenagers holding guitars. “Aren’t they adorable?”

  “Jesus, butterfly.” Ty’s cheeks reddened as he covered his face with his hand. “It’s so embarrassing.”

  “Butterfly?” I mouthed to Zoey when Ty turned around.

  Zoey’s face reddened. She was so over the moon for her man, her always-manicured hand still clutching Ty’s big paw. We arrived at the last door in the hallway. Ty opened it and we entered a room filled with instruments and three gorgeous band members, who all turned to stare at us when we walked in.

  “Um. Hi,” I said somewhat aimlessly.

  “Hey.” Zane acknowledged as he switched guitars and looked me up and down.

  Connor-the-gruff nodded at me almost imperceptibly from his bass. Jace looked at me from behind his drums quizzically and gave me a small two-finger salute. Ty led us both to sit on one of the amps and enveloped Zoey’s small frame briefly before kissing her on the forehead and taking his place at the mic. I nudged Zoey as I sat next to her on the amp, stretching my long, bare legs out in front of me.

  “Hey,” I whispered.

  “Hey.” She gave me a pointed look and waggled her eyebrows when she glanced over at Jace.

  “Not gonna happen.” I shook my head.

  “We’ll see.” Zoey got a defiant gleam in her eye.

  “Stop.” I shot her the “look.”

  “You’re here. We’ll see.” Zoey resumed watching the band.

  “He’s older than Ty.” I gave her a side-eye.

  “How do you know that?” She smirked.

  “Stop.” I shushed her.

  “An hour ago Ty and I nearly got the job done right here on this amp,” Zoey whispered in my ear. “Connor caught us. It was so embarrassing. I didn’t have a shirt on. Ty had to shield my bare boobs.”

  “Ohmygod. What?” I yell-whispered and Zoey clamped her hand over my mouth.

  We giggled uncontrollably. Super mature.

  “Everything okay, butterfly?” Ty stopped the song, his blue eyes filled with concern.

  We burst out into another fit of giggles. Still not really helping our case.

  “It’s fine, babe. We’re just being girls catching up, we haven’t seen each other in a couple of weeks.” Zoey managed to stop laughing to assure him.

  “Ohmygod,” I mouthed once the band turned their attention back to playing.

  “His dick is huge.” She leaned toward me and spoke softly in my ear, “Massive!”

  We looked at each other and giggled some more. Jesus.

  “You saw it?” I knew my eyes were like saucers.

  “No, but I felt it.” Zoey gulped. “Zane told a story about it at the firepit earlier.”

  “I miss everything.” I sighed.

  “No more, I’m sorry that I’ve been so caught up in him. But I promise, you’re gonna be part of this from now on.” Zoey reassured me.

  “I’ve missed you.” I leaned my head on her shoulder.

  “I’ve missed you too.” She leaned back against me. “But, Alex?”

  “Yeah?”

  “He’s the one.” She regarded me seriously.

  “Um, Zoey. You’re barely eighteen!” I looked at her quizzically.

  “We both know it.” She sighed. “I don’t know how to explain. It’s like he’s my other half.”

  “Huh.” I didn’t want to burst her bubble that it wouldn’t likely last. Plus, I thought I was her other half.

  “I know, it sounds nuts.” She looked at me earnestly, almost for approval.

  “It does.” I wanted to be supportive. “But hell, he’s a very pretty man.”

  “Even better, he’s strong, loyal, and kind.” She sighed again dreamily. “And, yes. Soooo easy on the eyes.”

  “He treats you well.” I put my arm around her.

  “Yes. So respectful. So loving.” Zoey was watching Ty now, and he beamed at her with the same moony expression.

  “And he has a big dick.” I nudged her.

  “Yep. I can’t wait.” She stuck out her tongue.

  The band played a new song Rise and worked through a bunch of iterations, which was fascinating to watch. Connor would play with different rhythms, eyes locked with Jace in silent communication. Zane effortlessly experimented with different licks to complement Ty’s earth-shattering vocals. I’d never witnessed the process of making music or working through a new song, and before long an hour had gone by. When the guys took a break, Jace left the room and returned with a black-haired girl named Fiona and a few other dudes who sat around with us on various amps watching them practice.

  During breaks, Ty made no secret about his affection for Zoey. Holding her tight, stroking her hair, gazing at her like she was a queen and giving her soulful kisses. They were both so head-over-heels for each other my heart couldn’t help but melt. Zoey was in love and deserved to be. Despite how I had hoped the summer would turn out, I realized that I couldn’t and wouldn’t begrudge her experience.

  Plus, now I was in LTZ’s inner circle and hopefully, Zoey would keep me here.

  When things wrapped up, Connor, Zane, Fiona, and the other guys disappeared into the house. Ty and Zoey followed close behind. It had been a long day and I was ready to drive myself home.

  “Alex, hold up.” A shirtless Jace stepped from behind his kit, mopping his shoulders and six-pack with a towel.

  “Um
, okay.” I had no problem stopping to admire, um, his tattoos.

  “I’ve gotta go.” Zoey scrunched her nose. “I still have a curfew.”

  “It’s cool, Z. Go ahead. I’ll walk Alex out.” Jace shooed them on.

  Zoey cocked an eyebrow and smirked at me over her shoulder as she turned and walked out with her hand once again fused together with Ty’s.

  “What’s up?” I turned to Jace and tried to act nonchalant.

  “How’s project Instagram?” He shook out his damp hair and wrapped it up into a knot at the back of his head.

  “I’m going to launch it when I’m on the plane, only six more weeks!” I smoothed my skirt and rocked on my heels, trying not to stare into the depths of his eyes, which were actually a mix of green, gold, and a bit of aqua, truth be told. Not that I noticed or anything.

  Jace pulled on a vintage Nirvana T-shirt, picked up some of the beer bottles, and put them in the empty boxes. Silently, I helped him. Within minutes the room was cleared up.

  “Thanks, you didn’t have to do that.” Jace stacked up the boxes by the door. “The guys are fucking heathens; I’m going to lose my mind on a bus with them.”

  “Why, are you a neat freak?” I placed the last box on top of his pile.

  “A bit.” He stopped to look at me, his expression was hard to read. “I’m still looking forward to it.”

  “Well . . .” Despite the small talk, I was no clearer as to why Jace kept me behind. Was he into me? Unfortunately, my women’s intuition wasn’t developed enough to trust the signs. If these were actually signs. Maybe they weren’t. Gawd.

  “Did you have fun?” His husky voice was so sexy, his eyes so twinkly. He embodied effortless confidence and cool. I could barely respond.

  “Yeah. Of course. You guys are great,” I finally answered, hoping my voice didn’t sound weird.

  “You can come by anytime, you know.” He took a step toward me, looking directly into my eyes and grinning. This man had all of the game that Ty lacked, that was for sure.

  “To Zane’s house?” I babbled while trying to maintain eye contact.

  “Well sure, but to LTZ band stuff.” The dimples in his smile were crazy. The cleft in his chin dreamy. No man should have both dimples and a cleft, it was unfair to all the other men. “I mean, it looks like Zoey is here to stay so you’re welcome to keep her company.”

  “Oh. Okay, thanks.” Inadvertently, I crossed my arms and then quickly dropped them to my side—like a spaz—as he stopped right in front of me.

  “So, Alex.” Jace tucked my hair behind my ear.

  Zing. Fucking. Zing. It felt like two batteries were sparking against each other. My heart started beating superfast. He leaned in closer until we were nearly nose to nose. Holy shit, was he actually going to kiss me?

  “Dude!” Connor burst through the door, causing Jace to blink and step away from me quickly. “Oops. Sorry—Hey, Alex, I thought you left with Zoey and Ty. Jesus. This room is really getting a workout today.”

  “No, dude, not the case. I was just walking her out.” Poof. The moment was gone in an instant. Jace turned and beckoned me to follow.

  “Yeah, I was just heading out.” I murmured, following his lead.

  “Right. Sure.” Connor growled, giving Jace a pointed look and dismissing me. “J, we’re out by the firepit. Jen, Jess, and Cassie are here waiting for you. Catch ya later, Alex.”

  “Yeah, okay.” Jace actually winked at me as Connor departed. Fucking winked.

  “Well, I should really get going.” I recognized the name Cassie and abruptly I turned my back to him and followed after the big ginger bassist.

  Jace’s strong drummer hand grazed my lower back just slightly, sending another zing up my spine. Silently we walked back through the house out the door to my car, stopping only once I was at the driver’s side door. I turned to face him and Jace gripped both my shoulders. Before I knew it, his pillowy soft lips placed a platonic smooch on my forehead. I sighed and looked up. Our eyes locked. As we stood looking at each other for a second, I wondered if I should seize the moment and kiss him for real.

  “Good night, Beanie.” Jace released my shoulders and he took a step away so I could get into the car.

  “G’night.” I slurred dreamily, wishing I could stay. “Wait, Beanie?”

  “It’s just a nickname.” Jace laughed. “For a sexy girl who is as skinny as a string bean.”

  “It’s not sexy, it’s a nickname for a dog.” I hated it. My face must have shown as much.

  Jace belly laughed and took a step back toward the house. “You don’t like it?”

  Without answering, I got into my car, started it, and rolled down the window before I waved and drove off.

  “Later!” I heard him call out as I drove away, wondering what the hell just happened.

  All the way home I replayed the scene in my mind over and over again and couldn’t figure out what Jace’s story was. Or, if there was a story. Did I only imagine that he was going to kiss me? He said that girl Cassie wasn’t his girlfriend, but she was waiting for him. And WTF on the nickname? Beanie?

  My thoughts were all over the place, and I couldn’t get a wink of sleep. After I tossed and turned for most of the night, the sun eventually rose, and light filled my room. Exhausted, I pulled the black-out shades down and crawled back into bed, determined to find out whether my crush was even somewhat reciprocated. By the time sleep finally came, I’d decided that if there was a next time with Jace, I was taking matters into my own hands.

  After all, why let a dude—even a snack like Jace—control my destiny? I was the one who planned on bagging a rock star this summer. Sure, Zoey beat me to the punch and had her guy. Now, it was time to get mine. Jace Devereaux wasn’t going to know what hit him.

  Chapter 5

  JACE

  After Alex drove off, I mentally berated myself. What was I thinking? She was so fucking stunning, but what was I doing flirting with her? Eighteen. She was a baby. I was on Ty’s case 24/7 about Zoey, and yet, just now I was about one second away from following him over the jail-bait edge. Jesus, if Connor hadn’t walked into the practice room when he did, I would have kissed the hell out of her.

  With the crisis averted, I was determined to put Alex in the friend zone—no, the little sister zone. Giving her a dumb nickname would remind me of how it needed to be with her. Alex’s horrified look when I called her “Beanie” meant that I hit the mark.

  Shaking off the near-disastrous turn of events, I rejoined the guys at the firepit along with my sister, Jennifer, her high school best friend, and my former friend-with-benefits, Cassie, and Cassie’s sister, Jessica. Grabbing a cold beer, I deliberately took a seat in between Jen and Zane away from Cassie, who pouted when I didn’t sit in the open seat next to her.

  Aesthetically, Cass was a beautiful girl with long, glossy red hair, full lips, wide, china-blue eyes, and a tight, toned body. The problem was, she relied upon her looks to get what she wanted, and her personality seemed to get more superficial with each passing year. Everything was always a show for Cassie. Even tonight when we were casually lounging around a firepit, she was dressed for a club in a low-cut, black tank dress and high-heel, black, cut-out booties.

  We’d been hooking up on and off for years. For me, non-exclusively, and I’m pretty sure it was that way for her too. Not that she didn’t try to persuade me to take things to the next level. It just wasn’t what I wanted. Over the years I’d broken off contact with her hundreds of times. It never worked for long. Cassie pursued me relentlessly. She scared me sometimes with her persistence.

  She made no secret of how much she loved being with a guy in a successful band. I mean, LTZ wasn’t there yet, but she’d taken it back up a notch as our social media following increased. Luckily, after hearing so many of Carter’s cautionary tales, I had always been religious about using condoms. My gut told me that if I wasn’t careful with Cassie, she’d find herself “accidentally” pregnant.

  Th
is didn’t mean I wasn’t a weak man. Fuck. Cassie oozed sex appeal and knew how to get me going. I was a twenty-something dude, ruled by my cock. She was an absolute animal in the sack. I gave in. Often. Who could blame me?

  Well, Jen could. She thought her little brother was a misogynist pig by continuing to hit it with Cassie. When the tour dates had firmed up a couple of months ago, she sat me down and gave me a stern lecture about how I needed to treat the women in my life. Which, according to her, was the way that I would want my own sisters to be treated. It hit home; it was time for me to grow up.

  A couple of weeks later when Cassie offered to blow me in the men’s room at the Mission show, I’d turned her down and held firm—pardon the pun—when she suggested half-a-dozen alternate locations. She had been furious but finally left me alone. I knew that it wouldn’t be the end. It never was. I guess it shouldn’t have been a surprise that Cassie and her sister had found their way into another band function via my sister.

  As I stared into the fire, watching the orange and yellow flames dance, Jen got up and sat on Connor’s lap and nestled into his big frame. He wrapped his muscled arms around her and kissed her temple. I loved Connor and Jen together. They made a perfect couple.

  Now twenty-four, Connor was the oldest of four brothers. His mother worked numerous jobs to support the family after his dad became disabled in a car accident when he was seventeen. He took construction work all through high school and during the entire time I was in college to help support his family. Quiet, pensive, fiercely loyal and protective of his younger brothers, Connor became a master carpenter so they could focus on academics and get into good colleges. It also freed his mom to tend to his dad’s health needs.

  Naturally pretty, strong, outdoorsy, and extraordinarily handy, Jen broke gender barriers as one of Seattle’s only female contractors. She met Connor at a jobsite for a multi-million-dollar mansion on Lake Washington. Within weeks, she had brought him home to meet my parents, and he and I bonded over our shared love of hard rock. We played music together and he became my best friend and honorary brother.